This Week in the Florida Keys with KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts Villas & Marinas

The Keys are busy this time of year with many choices in activities! Stone Crab Season, Theater in Key West and musical performances- among other activities- this weeks happenings in the Florida Keys!

The Florida Keys / October 15 – May 15

Stone Crab Season

Those succulent claws, brought to shore fresh daily from the waters surrounding the Florida Keys, will drip with mustard dip on the chins of hungry locals and visitors. A series of food festivals during the season celebrate the sustainable seafood resource throughout the Keys.

The Upper Keys:

In Key Largo and Islamorada, where KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has two exclusive locations -Mariners Resort Villas & Marina and the Historic Tavernier Inn

Islamorada / April 9

Expedition Florida 500 with Justin Riney

To commemorate 500 years of Florida history, Texas resident Justin Riney is circumnavigating the state’s coastlines and inland waterways by paddleboard. The solo waterman is leading a project called Expedition Florida 500 that is expected to journey through the Florida Keys until early May. Florida Keys XF500 land- and water-based events are open to the public, and enthusiasts are encouraged to participate with their own paddleboard or kayak. Participants are advised to bring a container or bucket for trash cleanups.
12-2 p.m. Ocean Hour Cleanup and XF500 Presentation The event is to be held at Florida Keys SUP, MM 88, in conjunction with the Wyland Foundation. Its purpose is to help raise awareness about the nationwide Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation and Earth Month, recognized April 1-30. Paddleboards are to be provided.

The annual event features music, art, food and fun. Island Fest hosts a world-class art show with 100 artists and crafters from around the state, great live music and a “Taste of the Islands” competition where the best Upper Keys restaurants compete for coveted awards. Free admission, festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Founder’s Park, mile marker 87 bayside on Plantation Key.Contact: Chamber of Commerce 305-664-4503Email:info@islamoradachamber.com

The marine conservation foodie event is to be held at the Fish House Encore; designed for everyone who enjoys the Keys reefs, spotlights the importance of capturing lionfish and protecting the environment from these invasive reef fish. Participants can enjoy a four-course tapas-style meal paired with wines, lionfish education and information about cooking techniques. Encore’s Chef Peter is to demonstrate how to clean, fillet and prepare the delicious fish whose delicate white meat is likened to that of snapper, grouper and hogfish. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and reservations are required. Cost is $65 per person and includes dinner, wines, educational materials and a complimentary REEF Lionfish Cookbook.Contact: 305-451-0650

A field of 1,500 runners participate in the annual foot race across the longest of the 43 bridges that help comprise the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. Sponsored by the Marathon Runners Club.Contact: 305-395-7040

The Lower Keys:

In the Lower Keys, KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts and Marinas has the Coral Hammock Resort Villas and Kings Point Marina & Condominiums vacation rentals

Key West / January 01 to December 31

Gay Key West Trolley Tour

Enjoy a fabulous tour of Key West…with a twist. A gay twist that is! Get a unique tour of Key West and learn about our colorful history that includes the famous and the infamous. Departs from the City Hall Parking Lot, located on the corner of Angela and Simonton. Tickets $25. Can be purchased ONLINE or at the trolley, our G&L Visitor Center (located at 513 Truman), and many of our distinguished gay and lesbian guest houses.

Sarah, a photojournalist, and James, a foreign correspondent are trying to find happiness in a partnership based on telling the world’s toughest stories and together, making a difference. When the adventurous couple confronts the prospect of a more conventional life, the hidden kernels of conflict emerge. Visit website for show times and tickets.Contact: 305-296-9911Email:info@redbarntheatre.com

As Typhoon Viola swirls around Hong Kong, Judy Garland lies comatose in a hospital from a suicide attempt. In a hallucination, Typhoon Judy enters a desolate rehearsal hall with a lone piano player and begins to tell tales of her life with comedy, anecdotes and, of course, song. Created by and starring Christopher Peterson. Showtimes 8 p.m.Contact: Box Office 305-294-5015Email:Box_Office@waterfrontplayhouse.org

More than 40 species of fish are targeted during these months, with divisions for men, women, junior anglers (ages 10 to 14) and Pee Wees (under 10 years old). In an April kickoff event, anglers target 15 species and $5,000 in cash prizes is split between the top anglers.Contact: Rob Harris 305-295-6601Email:director@keywestfishingtournament.com

With a guaranteed top prize of $100,000, the prestigious sailfish challenge draws top teams and benefits the Don Shula Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, Camp Boggy Creek for youngsters with chronic and life-threatening illnesses, and other national and local charities.Contact: Chris King 727-631-0072Email:cking@csmgroup.net

Rick Worth has been painting Key West for over 25 years. Evidence of his artwork can be found everywhere — from Fantasy Fest floats to cars to a recently-completed 46′ mural in Bahama Village. He will bring some of the tips and techniques he shares with aspiring painters of all ages at his weekly “Painting Bootcamp” classes at The Studios of Key West. The artist demo begins at 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. All are invited to stay for a festive social hour afterwards. The Key West Art Center is a non-profit community art gallery located at 301 Front Street and open every day from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Contact: 305- 294-1241

The one and only World Sailfish Championship is presenting the Rotary Division Family Fun Day from 8am to 2pm. Species include Sailfish, Dolphin, Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish and Snapper. Open to all anglers. The Grand Prize is a one week stay at Treasure Cay Resort & Marina in the Bahamas, and a cash prize.Contact: Greg Oropeza 305-304-1348

Key West / April 13

Fourth Annual Key West Authors’ Book Fair

A free event the attend, the Book Fair is to be held in the garden of the Key West Oldest House, at 322 Duval Street. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy book signings by the authors, readings, brilliant literary conversation, as well as a spring day in the garden with mimosas and pastries. Presented by Key West’s Sea Story Press and the Old Island Restoration Foundation.Contact: Sheri Lohr 305-296-5762

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden’s annual Hot Havana Nights is always the HOTTEST PARTY on the island! VIP guests will enjoy an authentic Cuban dinner catered by Small Chef at Large and open bar from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful Waterfall Courtyard. During which their senses will be tantalized by a vivacious performance by Miguel Cruz & The Tropical Dreams featuring Dayami. Frank Diaz and the sounds of Havana Soul, the steamy Cuban Orquesta, begins at 7:30 p.m. on the Lakeside Terrace. Wear your dancing shoes and bring your best moves because the awesome sound of this 10-piece band is sure to move you! Mojitos, cash bar and light fare will all be available for purchase to fuel your dance fever. This HOT benefit always sells out so make your reservations early! VIP Seating and General Admission tickets available.Contact: 305-296-1504Email:KWBGS@kwbgs.org

A new 15k run in Key West, the event has a 7 a.m. start time. Proceed along a flat, fast course starting at Higgs Beach in the southernmost city of the continental United States. Run beside the Atlantic Ocean and beaches while benefiting Stand Up for Education. A 5k Run/Walk also is offered. Sign up online at active.com or keywestspecialevents.com.Contact: 305-240-0727 Barb Wright

These are some of my favorite happenings this week and next in the Florida Keys. If you’re comig down to visit and stay with us at the KeysCaribbean Luxury Resorts & Marinas in our vacation rentals, share some of your favorite experiences with us …

Visit our blog next Monday with updated happenings in the Florida Keys…